The SD-based real estate developer was a contestant on Sean Lowe's season.

Selma Alameri was never a fan of “The Bachelor.” In fact, the first time the 29-year-old Bird Rock resident watched ABC’s romance-reality series was the finale of Emily Maynard’s season last July.

Flash forward two weeks, Alameri was on her way to L.A. to meet Sean Lowe, Maynard’s third runner-up. Lowe’s season of “The Bachelor” premiered on January 7. Although Alameri is drawn to southern gentlemen, and loves spending time in Dallas, she didn’t find that connection with Lowe, and was sent home in the sixth rose ceremony.

We sat down with the Baghdad-born beauty to talk life and love after “The Bachelor.”

Q: How was the experience different from what we saw on TV?

A: It was pretty accurate, just a shortened version. Two months edited down to two hours. The producers would ask us questions, and put us in situations, but nothing was scripted. They can’t make you someone you aren’t, but they can enhance who you are.

They made the kissing thing a huge deal, which is good and bad. It was just a simple request from my mother, not to kiss on TV. It made me come off as really innocent, which isn’t entirely true. He was kissing 14 other women, and I didn’t want to be just one of them.

A: Rock climbing was the best date I’ve ever had. It truly was so much fun. I got glamour and adventure all in one, taking the private jet to Joshua Tree. I was really scared to climb the rock, but I was up for it. And the ‘glamping’ was so cute! We roasted marshmallows over an open fire -- it was my first time!

We found out Sean was the bachelor the night before we started filming the show. I was really happy it was Sean. He is such a gentleman. I love Southern men. Southern men are my thing.

But, I was over it by the time we got to the Polar Bear Plunge group date. I just wasn’t feeling chemistry, so I told the producers I wouldn’t do it. In the canoe, all of the girls were so cold we couldn’t feel our fingers and toes. I thought we were at least on our way to a hot spring with champagne. But no, I wasn’t about to jump in that cold water.

A: I was surprised. I couldn’t figure Sean out. I didn’t understand the connection with him and Catherine during the show. But when he proposed, you could see it -- he loves her! That proposal was the best.

Q: Do you still talk to any of the ladies from the show?

A: Oh yes, I still talk to most of the girls on a daily basis. I’m closest with AshLee, Lindsay and Diana. All of the girls got along so well, except for, you know -- Tierra. The producers would always say: ‘We’ve never had a season like this before!’

Q: How has the show changed your outlook on love?

A: The show has made me more open to love. I had a pretty hard breakup once before, which closed my heart off. I became very guarded and didn’t give anyone a chance. On the show, I learned a lot about myself. It sounds cheesy. But, with no TV and no phones, you have a lot of time to reflect and think.

Right now I’m casually dating. I’m open to meeting new people.

Q: What qualities do you look for in a man?

A: I’m looking for a man who will make me his priority, without forgetting about his life. Balance. A big heart. And he has to make me laugh.

Q: Who is your celebrity crush?

A: Robert Downey Jr. because he’s so real. He just doesn’t care, and I love his personality. He’s a man and he stands in his conviction. Also Leonardo DiCaprio. Need I say more? He’s so beautiful.

Q: What’s an average day like for you in San Diego?

A: I’m usually in gym clothes all day. I wake up and have breakfast at Pannikin, I go to the gym to work out with my trainer, and then I’ll be all over the place running errands. I’m the monkey of my company, always running errands. I’m not a party girl, I never to go the bars or clubs downtown. I’m the girl posting pictures of my wine glass on the couch to Instagram. Another exciting Friday! I do happy hour sometimes, at Eddie V’s or Sushi on the Rock.

Q: So is it all work, or do you let yourself have any fun?

A: Travel is my thing. I travel a lot, not for work, just for pleasure. I’m such a gypsy soul. I’m gone at least two weekends per month. My favorite place to go is Dallas. It’s a little bit country, and a little bit cosmo -- just like me. I’m always visiting friends when I travel, so I tend to play more on vacation.

Q: How did you get started in real estate development? Tell us about your company.

A: My brother in law started flipping houses 10 years ago. He did well when the market crashed. My sister and I were watching and thought, we could do this! My father and a few other investors gave us the capitol to start, and we did well, so we kept on going. We flip homes in Temecula, Mira Mesa, La Mesa, and now we just started to break into Alaska. Our company is Brio Ventures LLC.

Q: So you weren’t a “Bachelor” fan, what are your TV guilty pleasures?

A: “Fashion Police” is the best! And the Kardashians -- I have to. I’m totally that girl. I love Joan Rivers. We have the same sense of humor. I like to take risks with fashion, so I always watch to see what they say about certain trends, and then I may adjust my own wardrobe. I started watching the Kardashians long ago when they were funny. Khloe is my favorite by far. We would be friends for sure.

Q: Where are your favorite places to shop in San Diego?

A: My absolute favorite boutique is Blended Industries. Seriously half of my wardrobe is from there. I also shop at Rica Boutique, which is in La Jolla as well. But I always go to Nordstrom for shoes. Shoes are my addiction. I probably have 150 pairs at my house, all in a special shoe closet.

Q: What is your favorite spring fashion right now?

A: Maxi dresses! They’re so comfortable. You can look really sassy or fancy, or you can downplay it and look very casual.